Llandudno Pier landing stage rebuilt for cruise ships' return

The landing stage was first built on the pier in 1891

Over £330,000 is being spent to build a new landing stage at the end of Llandudno Pier to allow cruise ships to return to the Conwy resort.

The news has been welcomed by local businesses who say it will bring more tourists to the town.

Conwy council said the plan was key as it "stood to gain much from opening up Llandudno to the sea".

A landing stage was first built in 1891 to provide berthing facilities for vessels before it was closed in 2006.

They offered services to the Isle of Man and trips to Puffin Island and Anglesey.

It was replaced with a concrete platform in 1969, but became defunct when the frame fell into disrepair and became unsafe.

A grant of £200,000 is being made by Gwynt y Môr Tourism Fund by owners of the off-shore wind farm.

Other cash has come from Conwy council, Llandudno Town Council and pier owners, Six Piers Limited.

Work is set to start on the Dolphin Landing Stage in July and could be completed by October.

Today, one pleasure boat ferries passengers on tours from the beach but Tommy Ellis, who runs it, said the scene was different 50 years ago.

"Sometimes you'd have two boats in the bay, one going to Douglas and one going to Liverpool.

"All down the pier was buzzing," he said.

Llandudno's original wooden pier was replaced by a cast iron version in 1877

TV's Gavin and Stacey actress Alison Steadman spoke of the demise of the landing stage at the pier in an episode of BBC family history programme Coming Home in 2010.

After hearing of the new plans, she said: "It will be wonderful to have access to all the local beauty spots and it will mean many more visitors for this great place that is so close to my heart."

RWE npower renewables is making £690,000 available during the construction of Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm which will generate electricity for around 400,000 homes after it is complete in 2014.

The announcement of its first award comes as a <link> <caption>Welsh assembly report</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18604151" platform="highweb"/> </link> highlights how some communities feel they do not benefit from living near wind farms.

Conwy councillor Ronnie Hughes, portfolio holder for tourism, said: "Tenders for the work have already gone out and we are hoping to begin next month, ready to see vessels arriving again in Llandudno as early as next season."